Brent Faiyaz pleased fans when he announced the release of two new singles, “tony soprano” and “peter pan.” The first thing to note, besides the surprise drop, was the cover art for both singles. Whether it is a self-portrait or graphic theme, cover art has always been regarded as the first impression of the music. Taken on a phone, the image for “tony soprano” shows a watch and sunglasses on what appears to be a private jet, while “peter pan” is a photo of a pile of suitcases. As far as laidback and mysterious go, this is as close as you can get.
Since his debut in 2016, the R&B artist has been known for his laid-back demeanor and music. His silky and emotive tone over an atmospheric beat makes his music relaxing, despite the vulgarity of the lyrics. It can be a genre to play in the background during a wind-down. Similar to Bryson Tiller, who admits his disdain for interviews, their public image leaves a lot to the imagination. The question is, how much does the mystery contribute to their popularity?
There could be many different takes regarding whether the mystery behind an artist helps the art. Two big mainstream artists, who are also viewed as mysterious, Frank Ocean and Beyoncé, are notable for surprise drops. They have maintained their success with a cult following and extreme longevity in the music industry. Their popularity remains unchanged due to their dedication to their craft and refusal to mold their music into what’s popular. They instead create their own sound and trends.
These are two artists who offer very little explanation for their creative process with press runs or face-to-face interviews. Their fan bases typically fill in the blank for what their music means and what is to come. Their small social media presence adds to the enigma.
In a way, mystery not only helps artists form boundaries, but it also helps audiences appreciate their music more. Knowing very little about an artist lets fans connect with them strictly through their music. This creates a loyalty that will follow them whichever way their journey calls them.
“I enjoy art more than the artist,” one Reddit user says.
The process of entering the mainstream has more requirements than before, now with the added use of social media trends. The veterans who have paid their dues have no reason to continue the fuss of connecting their image to their music.
Staying relevant for artists usually involves letting the audience into every aspect of their journey, but some opt out. Some fans, however, disapprove of the mysterious approach with newer artists.
While promotion includes interviews, it’s also keeping your name in the public eye. Specifically for newer artists, this includes making special appearances and sponsorships. Unfortunately, what may follow is intense pressure and criticism. There is a possibility that an artist’s intention being under a constant microscope could lead to a longer trend of musicians remaining an air of mystery.
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